n always enjoyed her mild banter hugely.
Now, as ever, he paid it the tribute of the cheeriest laughter.

'That is excellent,' he said; 'International Episode is excellent. But,
you see,' he went on, growing suddenly grave, 'it really _is_ something
of an international affair after all. Here we have an eminent American
scholar----'

'Who is naturally anxious to make the acquaintance of an eminent English
scholar,' the Dictator suggested.

Mr. Sarrasin's large fair face flushed pink with pleasure.

'You are too good, Mr. Ericson, too good. But I feel that I must do
something for our distinguished friend, especially as he has done me the
honour to single me out for so gratifying a mark of his approval. I
think that I shall ask him to dinner.' And Mr. Sarrasin looked
thoughtfully at his audience to solicit their opinion.

'A very good idea,' said the Dictator. 'Nothing cements literary or
political friendship like judicious dining. Dining has a folk-lore of
its own.'

'But don't you think,' suggested Miss Ericson, 'that as this gentleman,
Professor----'

'Flick,' prompted Mr. Sarrasin.

'Thank you; Professor Flick. That, as Professor Flick is a stranger, and
a distinguished stranger, it is your duty, my dear Mr. Sarrasin, to call
upon him at his hotel?'

Mr. Sarrasin bowed again. 'Thank you, Miss Ericson, _thank_ you. You
always think of the right thing. Of course it is obviously my duty to
pay my respects to Professor Flick at his hotel, which happens also to
be our dear friend's hotel. And the sooner the better, I suppose.'

'The sooner the visit the stronger the compliment, of course,' said Miss
Ericson.

'That decides me,' said Mr. Sarrasin. 'I will go this very day.'

'Then let us go into town together,' the Dictator suggested. 'I must be
getting back again.' For this was one of those days on which Ericson
came out early to Blarulf's Garth and left after luncheon. The
suggestion made Mr. Sarrasin beam more than ever.

'That will be delightful,' he said, with all the conviction of a
schoolboy to whom an unexpected holiday has been promised.

'I have my cab outside,' the Dictator said. Ericson liked tearing round
in hansom cabs, and could hardly ever be induced to make use of one of
the hotel broughams.

So the two men took affectionate leave of Miss Ericson and passed
together out of the gate. There were two cabs in sight--one waiting for
Ericson, the other in front of Sarrasin's Camelot Cottage. Two